Creating a website is less daunting than you might think. There's an easy way to produce websites on time and within a set budget. Common Sense Design uses it on every project.
At the beginning of each project, I assess the client's requirements
by discussing their aims and requirements with them. This consultation
stage provides an understanding of details about the site - such
as its audience, its aims, the design and technical scope.
Next, a project proposal is written, outlining how the project
will be approached. This is a document that contains suggestions
for a project's strategy, based on the client's requirements.
A calendar of events is devised to ensure that the site is delivered
on time and within budget. This includes information about the decision-making
process, as well as an agreed timeframe for client feedback at every
stage.
Once the client is happy with the proposal, they sign it and this
becomes the project brief.
Design Direction
Homepage designs are presented and these show different creative
approaches for the design of the client's website. The client selects
one of the designs to develop further.
The client views the designs in their Web browser so they look
as close as possible to a coded page, but do not actually function.
The purpose of the design stage of the project is to determine the
site's look and feel.
Amendments to the chosen design may be carried out, to get it to
a stage where the client is happy with it.
Design Development
Using the approved homepage design as its basis, the development
focuses on the look and feel of lower level pages. These show sample
pages that a site visitor will encounter when moving through the
site.
As with the homepage design, some amendments may be requested by
the client.
The approved design development work is used as the basis for progressing
towards fully functioning, programmed Web pages.
Once the client has approved the site's technical development,
all the relevant files are uploaded to the client's Web server, making the new
site live and visible to the public.
Communication is vital throughout every
stage of the website's development - whether by telephone, email
or face-to-face. Progress reports are emailed to the client regularly,
detailing what has been achieved and what remains to be done.
This step-by-step consultative process ensures a risk- and hassle-free,
carefully managed project cycle, with the client at its centre.
